dornase alpha, Pulmozyme

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: dornase alpha

BRAND NAME: Pulmozyme

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Dornase alpha is an inhaled drug for
treating cystic fibrosis, a lung disease which is the most common fatal genetic
disease in developed countries. The lungs continually secrete fluid into the
airways to keep them moist. In cystic fibrosis, the fluid becomes thick because
the amount of water it contains is reduced. The thickened fluid is difficult to
cough up or spit out. It blocks the airways, making breathing difficult and
promoting the growth of bacteria and infection. Infection destroys the tissues
of the lungs, and it is the slowly progressive destruction of the lungs that is
the major cause of disability and death in children with cystic fibrosis. The
thick fluid contains high concentrations of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Dornase
alpha is a genetically engineered form of the human enzyme, deoxyribonuclease or
DNAse. Dornase alpha breaks down the DNA and thereby reduces the thickness of
the fluids. Dornase alpha was approved by the FDA in 1993.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Single-use ampules; 2.5 ml (1 mg/ml)

STORAGE: Dornase alpha must be kept in a refrigerator at 2 C to 8 C (36
F to 46 F) and protected from direct sunlight. The solution should be thrown
away if it is cloudy or discolored. Since the ampule does not contain a
preservative, the entire contents of the ampule must be used or thrown away
after it is opened.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Dornase alpha is used in the long-term management of
patients with cystic fibrosis. Patients who received dornase alpha have been
shown to have improved function of the lung, improved quality of life, and a
reduction in the need for antibiotics (because of fewer infections of the
lungs).